Reactions To Dubai’s Expo 2020 Win

H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre

“From the outset, Dubai’s Expo bid was part of the government’s long-term vision that ensures sustainable national development and a prosperous future for the UAE. Hosting Expo 2020 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one that will be maximised to accelerate the growth of the tourism industry in Dubai, the UAE and the wider GCC region.”

Gerald Lawless, executive chairman, Jumeirah Group

“When the symposium came two weeks ago, everyone could see this wasn’t just the UAE nationals that wanted it – everyone who lived in this great country wanted it to happen. Both nationals and expatriates are all very proud to be part of the Dubai story tonight. Dubai always looks forwards and what a wonderful opportunity we now have.”

Thierry Antinori, EVP and chief commercial officer, Emirates

“It’s fantastic for Dubai and the UAE. Our chairman (HH Sheikh Ahmed) and HE Reem Al Hashimy worked hard, and one of the very important parts of the Dubai bid is we have a fantastic airlift. Every day we have a ‘mini expo’ with people coming from all over the world connecting through Dubai. The city is the centre of the demographic world, three billion people are flying today per year, so we have the possibility to grow. We will continue to launch five-to-eight new destinations per year until 2020.”

Dr Amina Al Rustamani, group CEO of TECOM Investments

“Winning Expo 2020 is a remarkable achievement for Dubai and the UAE…Hosting Expo 2020 will be a catalyst for the ongoing diversification and development of Dubai’s knowledge economy, and we are likely to see the benefits in three distinct phases. There will be an immediate shot in the arm in terms of economic confidence. This will be followed by the planned infrastructure and project investments taking shape over the next six years during the preparation stage, which will offer growth opportunities across a range of industries – from manufacturing and media to tourism and education. Once the event is complete there will also be a strong legacy that the event leaves behind, which businesses will be able to take advantage of.”

Dr Ayman Sahli, CEO, Julphar (Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries)

“Expo 2020 is a global award and a great endorsement for Dubai; the world has recognised the unique efforts exerted relentlessly by Dubai in the last two decades to build an international, modern and cosmopolitan city with one of the most sophisticated infrastructures in the world. I’m sure Dubai will astonish the world in 2020 more than ever.”

Mark Beer, registrar for DIFC courts

“I’m on cloud nine! It’s the culmination of months of effort; Dubai and the UAE are on the map. It’s a game changer for the Middle East – this will redefine the way people view, and invest in, the region. It is a tectonic shift.”

Jamal Al Sharif, chairman, Dubai Film and TV Commission

“We are thrilled by the great news. Dubai has exerted a huge amount of effort into the Expo 2020 and so have the people of Dubai. All sorts of entities (whether small or large) have united in their efforts to support Dubai with its bid. Winning Expo 2020 will continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as a regional hospitality and real estate hub and will also significantly impact many other sectors.”

Moosa AL-Moosa, UAE general manager, The Dow Chemical Company

“The emirate has proven time and again, it’s ability to host world scale events and the Expo 2020 will be no exception. Dubai will be an incredible host city given the wealth of diversity in the emirate and the deep commitment it has made to the success of the event. With an impressive history of iconic growth that has seen it become one of the world’s most renowned cities, Dubai will set the benchmark for future bids.”

Mohammed Al Zarooni, vice-president and CEO, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority

“Expo 2020, regardless of its scope and reach, will help showcase the best innovations and achievements of Dubai and the UAE on a world stage. Dubai’s free zones have a mandate similar to the Expo 2020 in promoting international trade, creating jobs and augmenting the economy with its varied financial and commercial contributions to the national GDP. As a free zone authority, we hope to attract foreign investors as well as offer endless opportunities for growth to both UAE nationals and expatriates in the run up to the mega-event.”

Emad Tinawi, partner and director for Thought Leadership at the PwC Middle East Public Sector Institute (MEPSI)

“The Expo 2020 decision highly reflects Dubai’s prominent and influential stance as a leading global player. PwC looks forward to witnessing the growth Dubai will experience over the coming years. With strong infrastructure in all of its key sectors, including financial, transport and construction – Dubai possesses qualities that rightfully entitle it as the city of innovation.”

Robin Colgan, managing director, Jaguar Land Rover MENA

“Today’s news is testament to Dubai’s position as a global hub, and to the dedication and hard work of the Expo 2020 team in putting together such a compelling bid. We have enjoyed a long-standing presence here in the UAE – a place where people are passionate about cars – and in fact the UAE is now our biggest market in the region.”

Peyman Kargar, managing director, Renault Middle East

“With its multi-cultural flavour and openness to doing business, Dubai is the perfect venue to connect minds and create a world of opportunities for the future. The automotive industry is well-poised to witness a phenomenal surge in the UAE in the run-up to the mega-event.”

Ashish J. Thakkar, founder of Mara

“Congratulations to Dubai!

“This is a tremendous victory, not only for Dubai but for the wider Middle East and Africa region – no other city is more deserving of the opportunity to host the World Expo.

“Having run my own pan-African business out of Dubai for more than 17 years, I commend what Dubai has done over the past two decades to smooth international investment flows, particularly in and out of Africa. With the arrival of Expo now confirmed for 2020, business communities across the EMEA region should embrace the exciting new opportunities that this historic event will bring.”

Joerg Hildebrandt, Partner and Managing Director, Boston Consulting Group

The Boston Consulting Group congratulates the visionary leadership of Dubai and the UAE on winning the bid to host Expo 2020 in Dubai, the first Expo in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia region. The ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ platform is the perfect embodiment of Dubai’s innovative, forward-looking and sustainable approach. Winning this bid confirms that Dubai is well geared towards cementing its position as a regional financial hub and increasing its impact globally. We applaud this historic achievement and wish Dubai utmost success in organizing this huge event, which will have positive impact on the UAE and the whole region.